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Google Wallet just got more useful thanks to a sizable update focused on meeting users’ everyday needs.
update comes With Google’s big June feature drop and adds three new features For ID, credit card and ticket-management apps. Chief among them is the official launch of state ID and driver’s license support for residents of Maryland. We first saw ID support late last year when the beta rolled out. It looks like the requirements are still the same: You must have a “phone running Android 8.0 or later,” as well as have Device Lock enabled.
Those digital ID cards can also be used in TSA PreCheck lines at some airports to speed up the screening process. Full list can be found at Official TSA Website, Digital ID support should be rolled out to residents of Arizona, Colorado and Georgia in the coming months.
Moving down the list, users will be able to digitize a pass that contains either a “barcode or QR code” simply by taking a picture of it. You’ll be able to upload things like gym membership cards, transit tickets with QR codes, and parking passes. Additionally, Google Messages will now be able to upload received boarding passes or train tickets directly to Wallet. however, rcs (Rich Communication Services) must be enabled first. The newfound message support is seeing a limited rollout as it will only work with “Vietnam Airlines and Renfe, Spain’s major train operator”. There’s no word on whether the feature will expand to work with other travel businesses.
future plans
The work is not over yet as Google has plans to expand the Wallet app even further. The company says it is currently working with US health insurer Humana on “developing a digital version of (the latter’s) insurance card”. Because it will contain sensitive information, this type of pass will require card owners to verify themselves before data can be added or used. People can use biometrics, a PIN, “or other methods”. For UK users, there are plans to give residents a way to “save their National Insurance Number” via Wallet. HMRC App,
Later this year, the tech giant said it would introduce support for “corporate badges … to provide employees with convenient and secure access to buildings at their workplace”. Speaking of access, there are plans to release Google Wallet to more countries “over the next few weeks,” though it’s unknown where exactly. We reached out to Google for clarification on launch windows for other regions and future updates. This story will be updated if we hear back.
With all this talk about travel, you must be thinking about planning your next vacation. Be sure to check out TechRadar Guide to the Best Travel & Weather Apps for Android If you need some help.
